Fabric by Philips Lights up Catwalk

German fashion designer Anke Loh used light-emitting fabric in her new collection, launched last week in Chicago. The fabric, Philips' Lumalive textiles, contains an array of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that can display text, graphics or even animations. Loh said she harnessed new technologies to create subtle fashions that not only reflect but also emit light, inspired by her recent move to Chicago from Antwerp and the contrasting light and atmosphere between the two places. "I spent a long time looking for the right technology to bring into my fashion. I tried optical fibers -- even weaving them together with black cotton," Loh said. "But when I approached Philips and they showed me their Lumalive textiles, I found something special." Bas Zeper, managing director of Photonic Textiles, Philips Research, said Lumalive technology is "completely unique. Thin, soft, flexible, light ... you hardly notice you're wearing it unless it's switched on. It's like a second skin. The electronics and batteries are completely hidden, and you can easily remove them from the garment for washing." Lumalive textiles are being developed for commercial use and will be on the market in 2007, Philips said. For more information, visit: www.research.philips.com. Anke Loh: www.ankeloh.net